Lee Jun-seok's Sharp Criticism on 'Yun Hae-gwan Promotion'... "Should Reflect on Whether the Promotion of the Vanguard Commanders Is Right" (Comprehensive)

"The Separation of Powers Crisis as the Executive Branch Attempts to Control the Legislature"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Former People Power Party (PPP) leader Lee Jun-seok, who attended the hearing for the suspension of the emergency committee of the PPP, criticized the reappointment of Floor Leader Kwon Seong-dong, known as a so-called 'Yun Hae-gwan (Yoon Seok-yeol's key associates),' and the nomination of Representative Lee Cheol-gyu as the secretary of the Budget and Accounts Special Committee, saying, "It is necessary to consider whether it is timely and appropriate for those who act as the vanguard to be promoted under the current circumstances."

On the 17th, at the Southern District Court, he told reporters, "Looking at public opinion polls and the situation, it is clear that the president is facing difficulties early in his administration due to personnel issues, and those called Yun Hae-gwan bear some responsibility regarding personnel matters," he said.

Former leader Lee also made a pointed remark targeting the 'Yun Hae-gwan,' saying, "As responsible party officials, they should feel remorse for creating a situation that shows this kind of image to the public, and those who started the work should also take responsibility."

He added, "There is concern that the executive branch is trying to control the legislative branch, which could be a crisis of the separation of powers," and emphasized, "It would be good if the judiciary actively intervenes according to the designed principles of the separation of powers to correct any wrongdoings."

Regarding reports that he had dinner with Emergency Committee Chairman Joo Ho-young on the 15th, he said, "I felt puzzled," and added, "I don't know what fact-checking was done before such reports were released." He further stated, "I have repeatedly said that meeting Chairman Joo is meaningless, and there has been no change in the fact that meeting him puts me in a difficult position."

On Chairman Joo's statement that "if the injunction is granted, the procedures will be redone," he emphasized acceptance, saying, "If the court's judgment is dealt with in that direction, according to my interpretation, it would be an emergency situation for democracy."

When asked whether he would continue recruiting party members even after the injunction results are announced, he expressed his intention to continue, saying, "Recruiting party members can resolve all problems of the party," and "The gap between party sentiment and public sentiment, which we often talk about, and the fact that the party does not flow as the public desires can ultimately be solved by party membership."

Earlier, upon entering the court, former leader Lee told reporters regarding President Yoon Seok-yeol's press conference, "I did not watch it closely." This was almost the same answer as President Yoon's response to the Lee Jun-seok incident. When asked about the reason, he repeated the same answer, saying, "Because I am deeply contemplating off-site democracy, it is somewhat disrespectful that I have not been able to follow the president's remarks closely."